Oxford Castle and Prison Ticket Tour 2023
Take a tour of Oxford’s castle and prison and step back in time while learning about British history
About Oxford Castle Tour and Oxford Prison Tour
Uncover the fascinating history of Oxford Castle & Prison. Hear all about the time it was used as a religious site, university, and even a jail. Visit St. George’s Tower, the Debtors’ Tower, the Crypt, and more with your professional costumed guide.
DESCRIPTION
Oxford Prison and Castle Guided Tour
A knowledgeable costumed tour guide will take you through 1,000 years of Oxford’s history. Climb the Saxon St. George’s Tower, and go deep underground into the 900-year-old Crypt. Discover the Victorian Prison D-Wing and Debtors’ Tower in Oxford. Climb the Mound of the 11th-century Motte-and-Bailey castle.
Built in 1071 and only closed in 1996, Oxford Castle & Prison is a site where so many fascinating stories come to life. From the modern-day stretching back to the brutal medieval era. In addition to the famous legends of King Arthur and Empress Matilda and the infamous modern-day cases of murderers and criminals. This site is also linked to the birth of education in Oxford.
Oxford Castle and Prison held famous and infamous residents for hundreds of years. It served as a home for royalty, a religious site, and a center of justice as the county jail. Following your 50-minute tour, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the exhibition wing at your own pace.
- Access to the Castle, Prison, and Mound
- Guided tour
- English
- Wheelchair users
- People with mobility impairments
Tour Meeting point
Oxford Castle & Prison
Experience stunning 360° panoramic views of Oxford from the Saxon St. George’s Tower, one of the oldest buildings in Oxford.
Descend deep into the only surviving remains of St. George’s Chapel.
You can explore the austere confines of the 18th-century Debtors’ Tower and the Prison D-Wing.
Admire the 11th-century Motte-and-Bailey castle mound and discover its vaulted well chamber.
Learn about the modern history of the site and its inmates in the historical Exhibition Wing on this educational costumed guided tour.
Make your visit to Oxford unforgettable and explore the city’s history!
Book this Oxford Castle & Prison Tour Right Away!
Good to know before the tour!
- This Oxford tour is not suitable for wheelchair users and people with limited mobility. For more information, please visit the Access Information page on the local partner’s website.
- This guided tour lasts around fifty minutes. After the guided part of the tour, you’ll have free time to explore the prison and the exhibition at your own pace.
- Visitors under 5 years of age will not be permitted access to St George s Tower due to health and safety regulations.
- Visitors who cannot climb the Tower can watch the video “Story of Oxford Castle” with a guardian at the bottom. You can rejoin your group as the tour continues once the tour group returns from the Tower.
FAQ
How long is the tour of Oxford Castle?
The tour of Oxford Castle and Prison is around 50 to 60 minutes long. It’s an immersive and educational experience for everyone. A costumed tour guide takes you on a journey through history while telling you interesting stories and allowing you to explore the prison at your leisure after the guided tour is over.Do you have to book Oxford Castle?
We highly recommend booking the Oxford Castle and Prison tour online and in advance. That way, you will be able to find the best offers and prices for the guided tour of Oxford Castle and Prison.What happened to Oxford prison?
The Oxford prison was built in 1785, and it expanded in 1876, making it over 200 years old. The Oxford Prison closed as a prison back in 1996, and it stayed closed all the way up to 2006, when it opened its doors as one of Oxford’s tourist attractions and a hotel.When is Oxford Castle & Prison open?
From Monday to Thursday, the Oxford Castle & Prison is open from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM. And from Friday to Sunday, the site is open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.Don’t wait! We found the perfect Oxford Tour For You!
Fast & Easy Online Booking Process!
Fun & Educational Tour of Oxford Castle & Prison!
Overall a very good walking tour experience. At first, I couldn’t get the information website to function properly to read all Access Information on the official website, but thankfully everything was said in the tour description. This was an amazing experience to have when in Oxford, and it’s really fascinating to learn so much about the history of the castle and prison.
Best tour in Oxford
We wanted to have a bit different experience in Oxford and decided to visit more than just the University of Oxford. We went on a bus tour and visited the Bodleian Library and New College, but far the best tour we went on in Oxford was this Castle and Prison tour. The costumed tour guide was incredible, it really took us back in time, and the gift shop was great!
Book Oxford Castle and Prison Guided Tour Online Right Away!
- Access to Prison, Castle, and Mound with a costumed tour guide.
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance with a full refund.